According to authorities, Jackson had been seen smoking what appeared to be a cigarette in a recreation yard and was being taken back to his cell to be searched for contraband - which includes tobacco - when he attacked DeStefano. Marino was injured when he responded to DeStefanos' radio call for assistance, officials reported.

Todd promised Jackson a sentence of three years in state prison for the assaults.

That sentence is to be served consecutively to a two year sentence for a felony drug charge to which Jackson also pleaded guilty today.

He pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, admitting he possessed cocaine with the intent to sell it Nov. 1.